dell datasafe restore - how long does it take?

Question

Hi I lost my drivers on my laptop, can't get internet connection, so am in the process of doing a system restore with dell datasafe.   Figured this was the best way to go as i can't get rid of the virus on my laptop. The laptop took me to dell datasafe local backup, emergency file and backup. I asked it to restore and preserve the files i had.   It then scanned and fould all my files, i ticked the boxes for them all (music, mail, etc) and hit next. For the last day and a half it has been 'scanning the system to detect all files mathcin the selection' and looks like the pc is still working as the line is still moving on the screen. But how long should this take? It will take me about a day to do an external back up of my files to hard drive, think i have about 4gb of files, but just starting to wonder what the pc is doing.   The external drive is not plugged in to my pc just now, should it be or does it just keep the files from my pc? Any info from anyone who has done this would be appreciated.   Not sure how long to leave it before i switch it off, and maybe try restore to factory settings and then reload everything.   Really want this to be last resort. Thanks

DELL-Sujatha K · Answer

Hi modellm3,

My suggestion would be to back up the data manually to an external hard drive or flash drive and then restore the system to the factory installed state.

You may follow this link for assistance to restore the system to the factory installed state:

http://dell.to/iv7brP

Revert for further queries.

modellm3 · Answer

thanks,

After running for 3.5 days, it finished, i rebooted and everything was exactly the same as it was when i started the process. Figure that one out?

So yes i did the factory install and reloaded. Got most back.

Only issue i have is i purchased office 2010 with my laptop (i see it on the invoice) and it never reinstalled. The files are there but when i try and install it needs the key.

Now, i have every other disc and book that came with my laptop in a box, but can't find and can't ever recall seeing this. Laptop has no cd drive so i'm pretty sure i never got cds to install it, and i came preinstalled.

Dell say they send cd's but i have no microsoft cds, and then they say i have to repurchase.

Any ideas.

I'm a big fan of dell, but NOT the dell datasafe software. Next laptop i purchase, the restore facilities will be on my list to check.

DELL-Sujatha K · Answer

Hi modellm3,

Microsoft office 2010 has to be installed once again. Since you purchased the Microsoft Office 2010 along with the system, the product key is sent along with the system. Please check the box and the card will look similar to the picture given below:

You may download the Microsoft office 2010 software from the link given below:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/buy/using-the-product-key-card-FX101853163.aspx

Revert for further queries.

Productivity Software

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